Potassium Alum Research Articles

Preparation and thermal properties of novel inorganic-organic eutectic composite material with high latent heat and thermal conductivity based on aluminum sulfate salt

Potassium aluminum sulfate dodecahydrate (Alum) and ammonium aluminum sulfate dodecahydrate (AAS) are two potential inorganic phase change materials with high transformation enthalpy. To make them more flexible to match temperature requirements of various fields, the melting temperature needs to be manipulated but less effect on latent heat. In this work, two novel eutectic mixtures of Alum-E and AAS-E were obtained by adding erythritol (E) with high latent heat into aluminum sulfate salts. The results denoted that the melting temperatures of the two eutectic mixtures were 72.46 °C and 73.20 °C when containing 35 wt% and 37 wt% erythritol, respectively. It was worth noting that they still possessed high latent heat of 243.4 J/g and 257.4 J/g. Considering the stability of NH4+ at high temperature, Alum-E was chosen to fabricate Alum-E/EG (expanded graphite) composite material with high thermal conductivity via melt-blending method. EG not only increased the thermal conductivity from 0.61 W/(m·K) to 10.95 W/(m·K) as an excellent enhanced heat transfer carrier, but also prevented leakage of Alum-E/EG composite material effectively as a porous adsorption carrier when contained 15 wt% EG. Moreover, the thermal stability tests indicated that Alum-E possessed favorable thermal stability after 250 heat-cooling cycles. Above all, the obtained composite energy storage material is a promising candidate for afterheat recovery and medium and low-temperature energy storage areas else.

Treatment Result of the Mucopexy-Recto Anal Lifting Method for Hemorrhoids in Comparison with Ligation and Excision, and Aluminum Potassium Sulfate and Tannic Acid Sclerotherapy.

The outcomes of Mucopexy-Recto Anal Lifting (MuRAL) in hemorrhoid surgery were compared with ligation and excision (LE), and aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid sclerotherapy (ALTA). In this study, we conducted a 3-year follow-up study of MuRAL (380 cases) and compared it with LE (1417 cases) and ALTA (541 cases) performed at the same period. Operative time, mean hospital stay, postoperative pain, postoperative complications, and recurrence were compared and examined retrospectively. The mean operative time was the longest for MuRAL, followed by LE, and then ALTA at 29.1, 21.5, and 12.4 minutes, and the mean length of hospital stay was 6.2, 10.6, and 1.3, days, respectively. Based on the frequency of injectable analgesic use, postoperative pain was clearly milder in MuRAL and ALTA than in LE. The recurrence rates were 3.2% with MuRAL, 1.1% with LE, and 12.4% with ALTA. Early postoperative low-grade fever and bowel movement urgency were observed in all surgeries, but these were minor and did not pose a safety problem. LE is painful and requires prolonged hospitalization but is the most curative; ALTA is simple and can be performed as a day surgery but has a high recurrence rate. MuRAL was less painful than LE and had a lower recurrence rate than ALTA. In recent years, there have been various innovations in the surgical treatment of hemorrhoids, and choosing a technique that is appropriate for the condition of the hemorrhoid and patient's needs is necessary. MuRAL can be one of the options for hemorrhoid treatment as a “cure without cutting” method.

Comparative photoluminescence study of nitrogen-doped carbon dots co-doped with boron and sulphur.

Although different studies in carbon dots (CDs) have been reported based on heteroatom doping, most of them have focussed on the enhancement of fluorescence properties. Here we report a comparative study of both fluorescence and room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) of nitrogen-sulphur-doped CDs (N-S CDs) and nitrogen-boron-doped CDs (N-B CDs) with N-doped CDs (N CDs). The CDs used in the study were synthesized through microwave-assisted pyrolysis. Among the doped CDs, sulphur-doped CDs showed a high fluorescence quantum yield. Upon irradiation, the aqueous dispersion of the CDs demonstrated blue fluorescence. Furthermore, by incorporating the CDs in a potash alum matrix, blue fluorescence, as well as green phosphorescence was observed. The phosphorescence lifetime measurements indicated that the N-S CDs exhibited a longer emission lifetime and a red-shifted emission in contrast with other samples, which might be attributed to the presence of a greater proportion of surface states on the N-S CDs.

Anthraquinone of Pleurotus ostreatus as a bioactive and antimicrobial agent for finishing of textiles as a health care product

Pleurotus is an edible fungus, distributed worldwide. It is known for its nutritional value and various medicinal properties. It is been the first time formulated as a bioactive in textile finishing due to its antibacterial properties. In this study, anthraquinone (AQ) is extracted from edible Pleurotus ostreatus by traditional soxhlet extraction, and the bioactive is characterized and used in textile fabric coating to check the efficiency of its antibacterial properties and finally, the efficacy of the fabric is studied. The extracted AQ is analyzed for its various structural fidelities using GCMS, FTIR, LCMS, NMR, and HPLC. This structural predicted AQ is treated with fabrics to enhance the antibacterial activity. The bleached cotton woven fabric was utilized as a textile substrate for this research. Citric acid is used as a cross-linking agent and potassium alum was used as a mordant. The mordant treated fabrics were engrossed with various concentrations of bioactive AQ extract such as 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%.for 30 min and padded separately in the presence of citric acid to sustain 5.5 pH. It was again immersed in the solution for another five minutes and the process was repeated and squeezing to get a wet pick up of 85% on the weight of the fabric. At 80 °C for 3 min the fabric was dried and restored at 110 °C for 5 min on a lab model curing chamber. This treated fabric was further evaluated for fragrance test, colour intensity, olfaction test followed by an antibacterial assay using gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. A zone of inhibition of 27.70 mm, 30 mm, 32 mm, and 33 mm was observed for 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% extracts of anthraquinone. From the analysis carried out, it was concluded that the anthraquinone extract performed as a good antibacterial agent against gram-positive bacteria (Listeria monocytogenes) and gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia. coli) and helped prevent bacteria and other microorganisms from attaching to the fabric surface. Hence, healthcare personnel are protected with functional clothing as well as fabrics all around the home, including socks, mattresses, baby diapers, and coverings. From the olfaction China GB method, it was concluded that the treated fabric had a peculiar smell with aromatic and herbal flavours with a good odour. Thus, it can be inferred that anthraquinone treated fabric retains the fragrance due to its better binding property. Based on the subjective studies it was noticed that this fragrance could last up to 20 washes and for more than 4 weeks. This allows the attire and textile industry to utilize fragrance-treated fabric in developing innovative and hygienic attire products in the future.

Effect of Potassium Aluminum Sulfate Application on the Viability of Fibroblasts on a CAD-CAM Feldspathic Ceramic before and after Thermocycling.

Potassium aluminum sulfate (alum) is a known adjuvant, which has been used as a mordant in textile industry for color fixation. This material has potential to be incorporated into dentistry for color stability, yet its toxicity first needs to be evaluated. The present study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic potential of potassium aluminum sulfate (alum) on fibroblasts when applied onto feldspathic ceramic before and after thermocycling. Forty-eight feldspathic ceramic specimens were divided into four groups (FC: no alum application or thermocycling; FCT: thermocycling without alum application; FA: alum application without thermocycling; FAT: alum application and thermocycling) (n = 12). Cell viability was assessed by using a tetrazolium salt 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphnyltetrazolium bromide assay at 24 and 72 h, and cell cultures without any ceramic specimens served as control (C). One sample from each material group was further analyzed with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Cell viability at different time intervals within each group was analyzed with Friedman tests, while Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to compare the test groups within each time interval. Pairwise comparisons were further resolved by using Wilcoxon tests (a = 0.05). C had lower (p = 0.01) and FA had higher (p = 0.019) cell viability after 72 h. After 24 h, the highest cell viability was observed in C (p ≤ 0.036). After 72 h, the differences between C and FA, C and FAT, FC and FA, and FCT and FAT were nonsignificant (p > 0.05). Cell viability was not affected by alum application or thermocycling at any time interval (p ≥ 0.631). EDX analysis showed an increase in potassium concentration in FA and FAT when compared with FC and FCT. Regardless of the time interval, alum application onto feldspathic ceramic and thermocycling did not influence the cell viability.

Investigation of the Dyeability Behaviors of Cotton Surfaces with Natural Dyes Extracted from Rubia Tinctorum and Reseda Luteola L. Plants

In this study, the pigment obtained from Rubia Tinctorum plants growing around Central Anatolian Region (Konya) and the Reseda Luteola L plant extract collected from Black Sea Region, have been used as natural dye sources. The 100% cotton, single pique knitted surfaces with 190 g / m2 weight are used as a material to be dyed. Prior to the dyeing process, the samples were mordanted with 1% potassium aluminum sulphate and copper sulphate in a laboratory dyeing machine (Thermal). Following the mordant process, the samples were dyed in the laboratory dyeing machine at boiling temperature for 60 minutes according to the exhaustion method. The samples were left to be cooled in the dyeing liquor and 12 hours later, cold overflow washing, hot washing, boiling soaping and cold rinsing were performed additionally. After the drying process, color measurements were carried out with a spectrophotometer (Machbeth 2 180 V) using Color office Textile program to create color coordinates according to the CIE Lab system under D65 illuminate and 10° standard observer. As a conclusion, the samples mordanted with potassium aluminum sulphate and then dyed with natural dye obtained from Rubia Tinctorum plant is considered the standard for color measurement, it has been determined that copper sulphate mordant is effective in the change of (ΔE*) total color difference (ΔE*=7.93). The samples with Rubia Tinctorum have a lighter color than the standard, the green and blue nuance is more, and the color is more matte as well. The samples mordanted with potassium aluminum sulphate and then dyed with natural dye obtained from Reseda Luteola L plant is considered the standard for color measurement, it has been determined that copper sulphate mordant is effective in the change of (ΔE*) total color difference (ΔE*=24). On the lightness axis (ΔL*), the dyed sample is darker than the standard. The color of Reseda Luteola L. dyed the samples is darker than standard, more red and blue; the nuance is more, also the color is more matte. When the Color Strength (K / S) values of the samples dyed with the dyestuffs obtained from Rubia Tinctorum and Reseda Luteola L plants were compared; in both dyestuffs, the highest Color Strength Value (K / S) was obtained in samples dyed after mordant process with copper sulphate (Rubia Tinctorum: K / S= 3,336; Reseda Luteola L: K / S= 10,649). The washing fastness results are lower than the staining fastness for all performed dyeing process. Both the color change in washing and staining rates are between the values accepted by the industry. Likewise, the dry rubbing fastness and wet rub fastness of all dyeing are similar. Light fastness values of samples dyed with natural dye obtained from Rubia Tinctorum plant are higher than samples dyed with Reseda Luteola L.

Optimizing growth, linear and 3rd order nonlinear optical traits of potassium aluminium sulfate (KAS) crystal by tuning pH for photonic device applications

Grown crystals, optical transparency and z-scan plots in open and close aperture conditions of KAS. • Novel pH dependent crystal growth of KAS was done. • PXRD confirmed improved crystallinity with decrease in pH. • Optical transmittance enhanced with decrease in pH. • 3rd order nonlinear optical properties were tuned by change in pH. This investigation is first to report the optimized crystal growth of potassium aluminium sulfate (KAS) at different pH. The well-defined single KAS crystals have been grown at pH 3, 5 and 7 engaging the slow evaporation process. Crystal structure and lattice parameters of grown KAS crystals have been determined using the powder X-ray diffraction technique. The impact of pH on optical transparency of KAS crystal is studied within 200–1000 nm through UV–visible optical analysis. He-Ne laser assisted Z-scan method is used to analyse third order nonlinear optical (TONLO) attributes of KAS crystal grown at alike pH. TONLO phase modification in refraction of grown crystals is inferred by Z-scan in close aperture configuration while the nonlinear absorption nature was sightseen by open orifice Z-scan. The Z-scan data has been used for comparative evaluation of TONLO refraction (n 2 ), susceptibility (χ 3 ) and absorption (β) coefficient of KAS crystals.

Refractory hematuria post actinic cystitis. Role of potassium alumen as treatment - Case Report

Actinic cystitis hematuria is a frequent complication after pelvic radiotherapy, present in approximately 5% of patients exposed to this therapy. The management of these cases seems to be a challenge for today’s urologists. In this article, we present the case of a 73- year-old man diagnosed with actinic cystitis after pelvic radiotherapy and admitted to our service with a clinical picture of refractory macroscopic hematuria. During admission, the patient underwent multiple procedures and blood transfusions, without success in controlling hematuria. After a review of the literature, we chose to use Potassium Alum in the patient’s treatment. Under general anesthesia, we performed a cystoscopy with the evacuation of clots and subsequently infused a 1% solution of potassium alum into the bladder at a rate of 200 ml/h for 25 hours. Less than 24 hours after Alum infusion, there were no more clinical signs of hematuria, which remained until hospital discharge. After 6 months of treatment, the patient did not present another episode of hematuria.

Novel Approaches for Opaque Reconstituted Parchment

Abstract Novel approaches for reconstituted parchment from solely collagenous material are presented. The advantages and disadvantages of this infill technique are named, existing recipes which exclusively use collagenous material are analysed and modified. In a series of experiments, the possibilities to decrease or replace formaldehyde in existing recipes are explored and physical properties are investigated. As a result, two new recipes for reconstituted parchment are developed: the first one with a decreased amount of formaldehyde, the second one with potassium aluminium sulphate instead of formaldehyde. Their haptic and visual qualities are compared.

An Unusual Oral Lichenoid Reaction to Potassium Alum: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature

Background: Potash alum mouth rinse has been well studied with appreciable success in protection against carious lesions and periodontal microbiota with no adverse reactions. While oral lichenoid reactions have been documented as complications of various dental materials and drugs none has been reported as a result of alum use. Case Description: An unusual oral lichenoid reaction to potash alum use in an adult patient who presented at the oral medicine and diagnosis clinic of the dental centre of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital. He presented with complaints of excessive salivary flow and dark pigmentation of the palate, and a history of potash alum licking for more than a month. On examination a dark pigmentation involving the palatal gingiva related to 24-27, sialometry revealed normal salivary flow Hence a diagnosis of false sialorrhoea was made. The patient was referred to the Periodontology unit of the same institution where an excisional biopsy was carried out, this was diagnosed as a lichenoid reaction by the Oral Pathology unit. The patient was counselled to stop the use of alum and reassured about the normal salivary flow. The patient reported tremendous improvement on review. Conclusion: Many home remedy habits and practices can be harmful, this underscores the role of counseling patients against these unverified remedies.

Development of green and sustainable smart biochromic and therapeutic bandage using red cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. Var. capitata) extract encapsulated into alginate nanoparticles

Novel multifunctional wound dressing with the ability to protect, cure and sense the healing process, was developed. Red-cabbage extract has been reported to exhibit bioactive compounds with the ability to function as antioxidant, antiinflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agent, as well as a natural pH-sensory chromophoric material. An anthocyanin extract was prepared from Red-cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. Var. capitata). The anthocyanins extract was encapsulated into calcium alginate in the presence of potash alum mordant, which was then applied to the surface of the cotton gauze. Red-cabbage based anthocyanin chromophoric extract was encapsulated at different concentrations into alginate-based hydrogel and immobilized into cotton gauze to provide a smart therapeutic pH-responsive wound dress to function as an antimicrobial and biochromic matrix providing a comfortable dress sensor to monitor the wound status. Decreasing the pH of a wound mimic solution caused a blue shift from 579 to 437 nm. The anthocyanin spectroscopic probe's halochromic activity demonstrated a colorimetric change from purple to pink, which was critical to the dyed cotton diagnostic assay's biochromic performance. The colorimetric parameters of the prepared dressing sensor were proved by UV–Vis absorbance and CIE Lab coordinates. Both mechanical and morphological properties of the prepared dressing were studied using different analytical methods. The effect of anthocyanin concentration on the mechanical, water vapor permeability, water absorption and morphological properties of the wound dressing were investigated. No substantial flaws in air-permeability or bend length were detected after dyeing. The colored cotton gauze samples were tested for their high colorfastness. The cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity of the prepared biochromic cotton gauze were explored. The dyed cotton samples exhibited no cytotoxicity and improved antimicrobial activity with increasing the anthocyanin ratio on cotton surface.

Development of a Novel Supersaturation Monitoring System in Continuous Crystallization of KAl(SO4)2·12H2O

AbstractContinuous crystallization via indirect cooling of potassium aluminum sulfate dodecahydrate (KAl(SO4)2·12H2O) was carried out using a draft tube‐type crystallizer with a circulation flow path. The crystallizer was equipped with a newly designed system to monitor the degree of supersaturation in the circulation channel. The average degree of supercooling and growth rate were measured. The crystal growth rates calculated by the population balance model and the supersaturation monitor were different but close. The average supersaturation calculated from the supercooling degree and the solubility data in the literature was 0.19 g per 100 g H2O. This system is also expected to be applied to industrial crystallization where impurities are present.

A Simplified Method for Anionic Surfactant Analysis in Water Using a New Solvent.

Anionic surfactants (AS) are becoming a major emerging contaminant of waters due to their widespread use in household and industrial products. The standard chloroform method for analysis of AS in water relies on chloroform extraction of a methylene blue active substance (MBAS), which contains ion pairs between methylene blue (MB) molecules (positively charged) and AS. Due to the poor extractability of chloroform, the procedure is complicated, time-consuming, and subject to anionic interferences. A mixture of methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK)–1,2-dichloroethane (DCE) at a 3:1 ratio of MIBK:DCE proved to be a robust solvent for AS extraction for a wide range of samples under various chemical conditions. The objectives of this research were to set the washing protocol to eliminate the anionic interferences in the MIBK-DCE extraction and to develop a new simplified analytical method for AS analysis using the MIBK-DCE (3:1) extractant. The suitability of the proposed MIBK-DCE method was validated based on quality control and assurance criteria, such as selectivity, accuracy, precision, method detection limit (MDL), limit of quantification (LOQ), and sensitivity. Various water samples, such as freshwater, wastewater, and seawater, were used for the method development and validation. Interferences by inorganic and organic anions were evident in the reference chloroform method but were eliminated in the MIBK-DCE procedure with a two-step process that consisted of washing with a carbonate/bicarbonate solution at pH 9.2 and a mixture of silver sulfate (Ag2SO4) and potassium alum (AlK(SO4)2). The simplified MIBK-DCE method for sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) analysis consisted of (i) sample pre-treatment, (ii) MIBK-DCE extraction, (iii) washing and filtration, and (iv) absorbance measurement. The MIBK-DCE method was accurate, precise, selective, and sensitive for AS analysis and showed MDL of 0.0001 mg/L, LOQ of 0.0005 mg/L, relative standard deviation (RSD) of 0.1%, and recovery of 99.0%. All these criteria were superior to those of the chloroform method. Sensitivity analysis showed highly significant correlations in AS analyses between the MIBK-DCE and chloroform methods for domestic wastewater, industrial wastewater, and seawater. The MIBK-DCE method is simple, rapid, robust, reproducible, and convenient, when compared to the chloroform method. Results demonstrate that the simplified MIBK-DCE method can be employed for AS analysis in a wide range of environmental waters including seawater.

Reduction of turbidity by adding bio coagulant-A sustainable approach

Improper management of human developmental activities such as industrialization and haphazard urban development deteriorating the quality parameters of Surface Water sources beyond the permissible limits. Turbidity in water, a major physical characteristic parameter is highly increasing due to the presence of suspended, colloidal, dissolved solids and making the water resources anaesthetic in condition. The chemical coagulants like Alum, Ferric Sulphate are widely used in turbidity treatment processes. Present study aimed sustainable approach to reduce turbidity by adding Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf powder as bio coagulant along with Alum (Aluminum Potassium Sulphate). Laboratory investigation was done for the sample from Hussain sagar lake, Telangana, India and analysed the obtained turbidity results. Optimum dosage of neem leaf powder along with Alum has been determined by Jar Test Apparatus to increase the efficiency of treatment. The dose of bio coagulant used was 0.1 to 1gr per Litre. It has been observed that the bio coagulant is efficient in reducing turbidity upto 94.8% when it was added with reduced dosages of Alum. This paper explains sustainable method of reducing turbidity by using neem leaf powder as bio coagulant along with Alum.

A novel wastewater-derived cascading algal biorefinery route for complete valorization of the biomass to biodiesel and value-added bioproducts

Integration of multiproduct algal biorefineries with wastewater treatment systems could offer a sustainable approach to produce green products in a circular bioeconomy paradigm while keeping the water-energy-environment nexus sustainable. The present study demonstrated a novel biorefinery route employing a newly isolated self-flocculating microalga Chlamydomonas sp. BERC07. Here, the urban wastewater served as a low-cost growth media and improved biomass production (1.24 g/L) by 2-fold with concomitant removal of 100% total nitrogen, 94% total phosphorus, 56% COD, and 41% BOD. To lower the harvesting cost, an inducible sedimentation-based harvesting system was developed by employing the lowest dose of a commercial-grade flocculant, potash alum (0.27 kg/1000L culture) which improved the sedimentation rate of algal flocs by 240-fold with a biomass recovery efficiency of 96–98%. Later, the wastewater-derived biomass was subjected to downstream processing in a cascading fashion for its complete valorization. The biomass yielded 1.83 mg/g of carotenoids and 480 mg/g of lipids. The lipids were transesterified to produce biodiesel which completely met the preset European and American biodiesel quality standards. After carotenoids and lipids extraction, the residual biomass was fermented using Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus oryzae for the very first time. Interestingly, the A. oryzae outcompeted the A. niger and produced 131.6 U/mL of α-amylase along with 375–384 mg/g of mycoproteins utilizing 75–100 g/L of the residual algal biomass as a sole feedstock. All solvents involved in the product recovery were recycled to the primary wastewater, leaving no waste at the end of the processing pipeline. Overall, the data demonstrated a novel and sustainable biorefinery route with the most efficient harvesting and the complete valorization of the biomass, in a zero-waste approach. However, further upscaling, life cycle assessment, and technoeconomic analyses will be required to assess the economic and environmental sustainability of the proposed biorefinery route.

Influence of Surface Tension of the Intrapore Liquid on Structural-Surface Properties of Hydrated Aluminum Oxide Obtained by Interaction of Aluminum Salts with Ammonia Gas

This paper presents the results of the studies on the effect of the surface tension of the intrapore liquid on the specific surface (SBET) and pore volume (VBJH) of hydrated aluminium oxide (HAO) obtained by treating aluminum potassium alum with ammonia. It has been found that replacing of water, the surface tension of which at the drying temperature is 57.87 mN/m, to acetone (13.19 mN/m) allows to increase both SBET and VBJH nearly 4 times. There are obtained equations, which connect specific surface area and specific pore volume of synthesized samples HAO with surface tension of intrapore area. It is found that in the initial presence of water in the aluminum hydroxide pores, the average pore diameter of the dried product is 3÷4 nm. Treatment of the synthesized sample with acetone increases the average pore diameter of the dried product to 5÷10 nm.

Effect of Surface Tension of Intrapore Fluid on Physicochemical Properties of Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>·nH<sub>2</sub>O

This paper shows the research results on the effect of the surface tension of the intrapore liquid on the specific surface and pore volume of hydrated aluminum oxide (HAO) obtained by treating aluminum potassium alum with ammonia. It is established that water replacement by acetone before drying allows practically ~ 4 times to raise both specific surface area (SBET), and specific pore volume (VBJH). There are obtained the equations, which connect specific surface area and specific pore volume of synthesized HAO samples with the surface tension of inner-pore medium. It has been found that in the initial presence of water in the aluminum hydroxide pores, the average pore diameter of the dried product is 3÷4 nm. Treatment of the synthesized sample with acetone increases the average pore diameter of the dried product to 5÷10 nm. The process of sorption of nitrogen and water vapors with HAO samples was investigated. The capacity of monomolecular absorption layer (Qm), constant C of BET equation and change of internal energy of system into sorption processes (ΔGo) are calculated.

Refinement of Nonantibiotic Spray Programs for Fire Blight Control in Organic Pome Fruit.

Fire blight-susceptible, certified organic pome fruit is produced on 9,000 ha in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States with acreage continuing to expand despite a 2014 prohibition on antibiotics as allowable materials for infection suppression. Nonantibiotic practices for fire blight pathogen suppression mirror conventional management, but the full-bloom-to-petal-fall period when antibiotics are typically sprayed for fire blight control continues to receive research scrutiny owing to drawbacks and weaknesses of alternative materials. As solitary treatments, effective nonantibiotic materials (e.g., a yeast biocontrol, soluble coppers, and potassium aluminum sulfate) raise the risk of a crop-value-reducing, phytotoxic response termed "fruit russeting." Conversely, materials with less russeting risk (e.g., Bacillus-based biorationals) are less effective for fire blight control. Spray programs using a sequence of materials applied from midbloom to petal fall have the potential to provide high levels of protection with reduced russeting risk. In orchard trials, the effects of nonantibiotic spray programs on the epiphytic population size of Erwinia amylovora in flowers, yeast biocontrol population size, floral pH, infection suppression, and fruit russeting revealed strategies for sequencing sprays of nonantibiotic materials. The yeast biocontrol, Blossom Protect (Aureobasidium pullulans), sprayed at 70% bloom, was an important contributor to fire blight pathogen suppression as was the soluble copper material, Previsto, when applied at full bloom. Choice of material for the petal-fall spray timing was important to fruit russeting risk but apparently less important to overall infection incidence. Consequently, treatment programs of Blossom Protect at 70% bloom, a soluble copper at full bloom, and a Bacillus-based biorational at petal fall, best balance the quality of infection suppression with the risk of fruit russeting.

Production of rods for steel and iron casting from mixtures with a binder based on a combination of inorganic salts

Recently, there has been an active search and development of non-scarce and suitable for industrial use inorganic binders that can compete with synthetic resins in the composition of core mixtures in the production of castings, while ensuring comfortable working conditions for the personnel of foundries and reducing harmful emissions during the entire production process. To date, this goal has not yet been achieved and the search has not been completed, so research continues. The work, the results of which are presented by the authors of this article, is one of many ongoing in Russia in the mainstream of the designated topic. The authors decided to assign the role of the binder in the composition of the core mixture to the composition of inorganic salts, one of which is liquid glass - an aqueous solution of sodium or potassium silicates, and the other (others) are simultaneously hydrophilic and highly soluble in water salts of alkali or alkaline earth metals. The work focuses on the group of complex double salts, crystalline hydrates of sulfates of tri- and monovalent metals - the so-called alum, which have the required set of properties, and, in particular, on non-deficient potassium alum, which had previously proven itself well as a technological additive to the liquid glass core mixture. An environmentally friendly, easy-toimplement version of the technology has been proposed, experimentally verified and tested under the conditions of existing production, which provides the curing of the rod by the mechanism of dehydration of the rod mixture by a combination of heat exposure and the imposition of vacuum and the achievement of the required level of operational characteristics. Practical testing has confirmed the effectiveness of the application of the developed technology for the production of castings from iron and steel. Currently, work is underway to expand its application in foundries of Russian enterprises.

Combined treatment of high-strength fresh leachate from municipal solid waste landfill using coagulation-flocculation and fixed bed upflow anaerobic filter

The current research study describes the coagulation-flocculation process's investigation, followed by biological treatment. The two landfill simulated reactors were fabricated using an iron sheet of 1 m × 1 m × 1.1 m. In this study, landfill reactors were simulated with different operation modes, i. e., Reactor1 (R1) was operated without rainfall, and reactor2 (R2) Operated at the weighted average actual rainfall rate of 50 years, while both contained the waste composition of wet waste (73%) and dry waste (27%). The type of landfill leachate used for the study was fresh/young leachate. Initially, R1 leachate was used to obtain the effective coagulant in terms of coagulant dose and pH using different conventional coagulants, i.e., potash alum KAI(SO₄)₂·12H₂O, ferric chloride (FeCl3), ferrous sulphate heptahydrate (FeSO4·7H2O), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) and bentonite clay. R1 leachate was used for the acclimatization phase for biomass growth, and R2 leachate was used for the treatment phase to check the removal efficiency of varied concentrations of pollution indicator parameters of leachate in the anaerobic filter. The leachate (R1) was characterized before the pretreatment process and showed that the chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal percentage was higher for FeCl3 with 55.4% at pH 5. In the up-flow anaerobic filter's acclimatization phase, maximum COD removal was 23.3%, while in the treatment phase, it was 20.03% (23,170 mg/L) removal of COD for the leachate from the simulated rainfall reactor (R2). R2 leachate was characterized before using it for the treatment phase. COD's removal efficiency was 35% in coagulation treatment, only 20.03% was achieved in the anaerobic filter, and overall removal was 51.52%, including both the treatment technologies. Therefore, it can be concluded from the study that there was no significant COD removal in the anaerobic filter through the conventional way. A further recommendation is to provide a microbial source (seeding) for biomass growth to improve anaerobic filter efficiency.